Florence Perchuk – who's been designing kitchens for 38 years – shares the secrets to caring for stone countertops.

Spills Should Be Wiped Up Immediately

Spills Should Be Wiped Up Immediately

With her years of experience, Perchuk has seen stains from wine, cranberry juice, all citrus juices, salad dressings, vinegars, and coffee. Her advice? "The key is to wipe a spill up as soon as you see it: I can't emphasize that enough. If you don't let the spills sit there, they won't penetrate," she says. "Also, oils are less of a problem, once the stone has been sealed, and kids with sticky fingers are no problem at all."

A Proper Seal Is When Water Beads Form

A Proper Seal Is When Water Beads Form

A supplier should seal the stone a few times as soon as it's installed. "You'll know it's sealed properly when water beads and forms droplets on the surface," she says. "Then have it sealed again a year later — that should do the trick." And while you can seal it yourself, Perchuk says a professional will know the best sealer for your particular stone.